Community leaders demand urgent action for indigenous rights

During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the involvement of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) in protecting indigenous rights and cultural heritage on Molokai. Community members expressed frustration over the lack of representation and support from OHA, particularly in light of ongoing high-profile cases that threaten local history and culture.

One speaker highlighted a recent consultation meeting that included federal attorneys, the Catholic Church, and the University of Hawaii, but noted the absence of OHA representatives. This lack of engagement was seen as a missed opportunity for meaningful dialogue about the preservation of indigenous heritage. The speaker emphasized the importance of having a dedicated OHA representative stationed on Molokai to assist the community in navigating legal challenges and to ensure that indigenous voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Concerns were also raised about the Molokai burial council's non-endorsement of a recent report facilitated by OHA, citing it as incomplete. The council's refusal to sign off on the report underscores a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with how indigenous issues are being handled at the state level.

Another community member, a veteran, voiced frustrations about the lack of collaboration and respect from the Department of Hawaiian Homelands regarding a long-stalled veterans' building project. They called for greater accountability and transparency in how funds are allocated and used, stressing the need for unity among community members to advocate for their rights.

The meeting concluded with a call for collective action and a reminder of the importance of honoring ancestors and preserving cultural heritage. Community members expressed a desire for more proactive engagement from OHA and other agencies to address the pressing issues facing their island.